From tactical edge to acquisition leadership: Col. Brandon Motte joins CECOM

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Col. Brandon G. Motte recently joined the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command as the new G3/4 director of operations, logistics, and acquisition. In this critical role, Motte is responsible for managing internal and external operations and logistics support for the commanding general and CECOM.

With 22 years of dedicated military service, Motte brings a wealth of tactical combat experience and extensive expertise in Army acquisitions.

A Soldier's journey: from the front lines to future systems

Growing up in northwest Oklahoma City, Motte did not initially plan to join the Army, despite both his father and grandfather having served. However, driven by curiosity, he joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in college on a whim. By the next semester, he was standing in formation, preparing to become an Army officer.

“It is kind of in my blood,” he said.

Commissioned as an armor officer in 2004 from the University of Central Oklahoma, Motte forged his early leadership in complex and contested environments. His deployments include Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2005 to 2006 as a tank platoon leader in Baghdad, and multiple tours during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, where he managed sustainment operations for combat outposts and conducted reconnaissance operations along the Pakistan border.

In 2012, he transitioned into the Army Acquisition Corps, shifting his focus from executing combat operations to building the critical systems that enable them.

“I looked at my marketability post-serving in the Army and thought that would be a good transition, and I wanted to do something different,” Motte explained.

His extensive acquisition background includes testing and evaluating platforms such as the Ground Combat Vehicle and the Nett Warrior system, managing the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle and Heat Protection programs for Program Executive Office Soldier, and shaping joint force requirements at the Pentagon. Most recently, he served as the product manager for Waveforms within PM Tactical Radios (Program Executive Office for Command, Control, and Communications-Tactical), delivering resilient, cutting-edge communication capabilities to the tactical edge.

“Having experience using these capabilities [as a Soldier], you bring a different perspective to it,” he said.

As he steps into his role at CECOM, Motte will lead a diverse team of DA Civilians, contractors, and Soldiers. He describes his leadership style as personable and empowering.

“I try to be personable; I do not like to micromanage,” Motte said. “I like to give people the autonomy to run in their lane.”

Working in high-level operations can be demanding, but Motte remains grounded, drawing perspective from his combat deployments.

“I’ve always been naturally even-keeled, but my deployments reinforce the importance of remaining composed under pressure,” he said. “Those experiences taught me how to make better decisions, support my team, and focus on solving problems rather than reacting to them in a fast-paced and stressful office environment.”

Motte’s advice to junior officers is to lead with confidence, learn from others, and be flexible because change is constant in the Army.

“Don’t be afraid to be in charge, don’t be hesitant, don’t be timid,” he said. “Be a sponge and learn from your NCOs [noncommissioned officers] and Civilians.”

Motte holds a bachelor's degree in political science and international relations from the University of Central Oklahoma and a master's degree in administrative leadership from the University of Oklahoma. Additionally, Motte recently earned a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

According to Motte, his training at the War College will help him look at the bigger picture: how CECOM’s mission fits within the U.S. Army Materiel Command, the Department of the Army, and the joint force.

Throughout his career, he has served at numerous installations, including Fort Campbell, Ky; Fort Gordon, Ga; and Fort Belvoir, Va. However, his favorite duty station was Fort Hood, Texas, because it kept him closest to his home.

Motte said his goal at every duty station is to make an impact.

“Enjoy it while you are there and try to make the biggest impact you can in the short amount of time that you have,” Motte explained.

Motte is married to Lt. Col. Carrien Motte, and together they are raising three children: Blaise, Cole, and Zola.